Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Ryan Manno
After four straight seasons in the playoffs, Long Beach baseball enters 2026 with familiar expectations and renewed confidence. Head Coach Jason Zizza believes this group has the depth, toughness, and pitching strength to once again compete in one of Nassau County’s most challenging leagues.
The Marines’ primary goal is clear: return to the postseason for a fifth consecutive year.
“We have made the playoffs four years in a row, so a big goal of ours is to make that five,” Coach Zizza said. “Get to the point where we can get in and make a run.”
Last season, Long Beach finished 8-14 overall, with a 6-9 league record. The Marines proved it could compete with top programs and gained valuable experience in high-pressure situations.
The 2025 season ended in dramatic fashion against Mepham in the first round of the playoffs.
The teams were evenly matched all season, and the postseason meeting was no different. Long Beach battled back to tie the game in the seventh inning and pushed it into the ninth. With two outs and nobody on, Mepham strung together back-to-back doubles to win 4-3.
“It was one of the wildest games I’ve been in,” Zizza said. “We battled back, tied it, and fought all the way to the ninth.”
The following morning, Long Beach faced Bellmore JFK. The game was scoreless through four innings before the Marines took a 1-0 lead. Bellmore responded, and Long Beach fell 5-2.
Despite the losses, Zizza views those games as defining moments.
“We learned that we are never out and the game is never over,” he said. “Every pitch, every out, every inning matters in Nassau County baseball.”
“A hit here or a hit there and we might win the game,” Zizza said. “Every at-bat matters. You’ve got to keep pushing forward.”
Long Beach must replace two major contributors from last season: Steven Misrok and Matty Hayes.
A three-year varsity starter, Misrok was one of the most versatile and productive players in the program. Though primarily a first baseman, he transitioned to center field in 2025 and played at an All-County level.
“Whatever you need me to do, coach,” Misrok told Zizza when asked to move positions.
In league play, Misrok hit .341 with a .463 on-base percentage and a 1.031 OPS. He recorded 15 hits, six doubles, two triples, nine RBIs, 13 runs, and 11 stolen bases. Defensively, he committed just one error in 39 chances and added four outfield assists.
Misrok chose to attend Georgia Tech rather than pursue college baseball.
Another three-year starter, Hayes was a captain, starting pitcher, and shortstop. He logged the third-most innings on the team, started five games, and earned a key save during the season. He was an All-Conference player in 2024 and holds the school record for career strikeouts.
“He loved to work with and teach the other pitchers,” Zizza said. “Other guys looked to him. He was level-headed and trusted.”
Hayes will continue his baseball career at Cortland.
Coach Zizza believes this year’s team has more pitching depth than any he has coached at Long Beach.
“This is the most depth pitching-wise we’ve had since I’ve taken over,” he said. “We’ve never had this much talent top to bottom.”
The Marines plan to build around strong pitching, solid defense, and a contact oriented lineup.
“We have guys who don’t strike out a lot and put the ball in play,” Zizza said. “They’re young, and they compete.”
Several returning players are expected to take on larger roles at the plate.
Nathan Hall played in six league games last season and hit .400 with an .867 OPS and .467 slugging percentage. A middle infielder and third baseman, he is projected to hit in the middle of the lineup.
Michael Canepa appeared in 11 games last season and will serve as the starting shortstop. He will provide stability in the infield.
Cayden McCormick played 14 games in right field last year and is projected to hit at the top of the order.
“He brings speed to the top of the lineup,” Zizza said. “I believe he’s an All-County talent.”
One of the biggest off-season risers is Dustin Basnyat. He excelled on JV and earned a late-season varsity promotion, starting three games in the outfield. He hit .429 with a 1.000 OPS and .571 slugging percentage.
Showtime gets another with this RBI single by Dustin Basnyat (Long Beach 2027) they now lead 7-0 pic.twitter.com/N7L5At243L
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 18, 2025
“He crushed it in JV,” Zizza said. “He deserved the opportunity. He’ll eat some innings for us.”
Pitching is the foundation of this year’s team, led by a talented and deep staff.
Aiden Perry returns as the team’s ace after earning All-Conference honors in 2025. He led the team with 24 innings pitched, went 3-2 in league play, and posted a 2.71 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. The right-hander has reached 88 mph.
“We’re going to look for him to lead the staff,” Zizza said.
In addition to his offensive role, Nathan Hall will be part of the rotation. He went 2-1 with a 2.17 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 9.2 innings.
“He works fast and keeps hitters off balance,” Zizza said. “He wants the ball. He’s a coach’s dream.”
Hall may also be used in relief depending on team needs.
Canepa, McCormick, and Yishi Jesperson will all see increased innings after limited roles last season. Incoming JV pitchers Logan Wien, Tyler Donohue, and crafty left-hander Kellen Desantis are also expected to contribute.
“To have all these guys you’re confident in to get outs, it’s a great feeling,” Zizza said.
The coaching staff is confident in both the rotation and bullpen.
“Our pitchers work very hard and play on top summer teams,” Zizza said. “They’re ready for varsity.”
Leadership will be led in part by returning transfer Jesse Stadtman, a catcher and first baseman.
“He is a game-changer behind the plate,” Zizza said. “He’ll hold down our pitching staff and hit at the top of the lineup.”
Stadtman is projected to bat first or second and serve as one of the leaders on the team.
Competition remains a cornerstone of the program. Players battling for roles include Joe Lordi, Josue Encarnacion, Xavier Straub, Jacob Impagliazzo, and Jack Klang.
“We compete all winter, all preseason, and into the season,” Zizza said. “Nothing is given.”
Long Beach opens the season on April 7 at South Side, a familiar and respected opponent.
The two programs last met in the 2024 postseason, when Long Beach won a three game series highlighted by a 1-0 complete game from Matty Hayes and a 3-2, nine inning walk off victory.
“Two of the best high school games I’ve ever coached,” Zizza said.
Facing South Side to begin the year carries both emotional and competitive significance.
“It’s exciting to get back and play those guys again,” Zizza said. “We’re very excited in Long Beach to get the season going.”
With proven postseason experience, elite pitching depth, and a growing group of young contributors, Long Beach enters 2026 believing it can once again contend.
“We feel like we can compete at a high level,” Zizza said. “We’ll need to, because the teams are very good.”
If the Marines can capitalize on small moments and continue their tradition of resilience, another playoff run is well within reach.
